Outgoing MSP Oliver Mundell is among new five non-executive directors to have been appointed to the SRUC Board.

Mr Mundell, who will stand down as MSP for Dumfriesshire at next year's Scottish Parliament election, will join four other new Board members as SRUC builds on its journey as a degree-awarding power institution at the heart of the natural economy.

He said that his appointment "represents an exciting opportunity to continue to contribute and share the knowledge I've built up over the past decade as a parliamentarian".

Also joining the SRUC Board in June are:

• Jamie Baker – Lead for Economic Development and Regeneration at East Lothian Council. Jamie has a deep understanding of Scotland's rural and regional economies and the importance of community in economic development and regeneration. 
• Simon Cunningham – a chartered accountant with extensive experience in finance, change and risk management and who has served on a number of boards, including Revenue Scotland.
• Kes Juskuwiak – Director of Transformation at Scottish Water. Kes has a strong strategic, transformational change and operational background.
• Neil Robertson – A highly experienced vet with strong board experience who was recently Head of Operations at Benchmark Animal Health UK Ltd.

Meanwhile, solicitor Helen Howden, former Company Secretary at SRUC, has been appointed an independent external member on the Board's Audit and Risk Committee.

Linda Hanna, Chair of the SRUC Board, said: "This is a critical time for SRUC as we continue to build on opportunities presented by gaining taught degree-awarding powers and address challenges, very much in keeping with those in the wider academic sector and industry. The calibre of applications was exceptional, and I'd like to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who took the time to apply. 

"As we navigate the road ahead, it is important the SRUC Board has the right mix and diversity of skills and experience to help do just that. I'm delighted the new Board members announced today bring a wealth of experience and expertise from a broad range of backgrounds as well as a strong passion to help achieve our ambitions for our students as well as the natural economy. I am very much looking forward to working with them."

Professor Wayne Powell, Principal and Chief Executive of SRUC, said: "We are delighted to welcome our new non-executive directors to the SRUC Board, where they will play an important role as our unique institution builds on the opportunities presented by taught degree-awarding powers."